U.S. patent application number 11/424554 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-10 for multi size outlet box.
Invention is credited to Scott M. Barboza, Michael A. Moore.
Application Number | 20080007046 11/424554 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38918457 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080007046 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Barboza; Scott M. ; et
al. |
January 10, 2008 |
Multi Size Outlet Box
Abstract
An air diffuser mounting box having multiple, various size inlet
collars joined together with annular shaped sections. Each collar
has a groove around its perimeter which facilitates cutting with a
knife, and subsequent removal of unneeded collar sections.
Inventors: |
Barboza; Scott M.; (Dighton,
MA) ; Moore; Michael A.; (Dighton, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Scott M. Barboza;Michael A. Moore
1244 Davol St
Fall River
MA
02720
US
|
Family ID: |
38918457 |
Appl. No.: |
11/424554 |
Filed: |
June 16, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
285/136.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16L 5/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
285/136.1 |
International
Class: |
F16L 5/00 20060101
F16L005/00 |
Claims
1. A multi sized outlet box used in air distribution systems
comprising: (a) a plurality of collars, having sufficient size and
length to accommodate connection of standard round size air ducts,
connected end to end by annular shaped members and, (b) said
collars containing a v shaped groove creating an area of reduced
wall thickness, along its outer perimeter
2. The assembly of claim 1 comprising a flange, mounted
transversely adjacent to the lower end perimeter to receive
diffuser grille.
3. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said flange has an inner and
outer rectangular shape.
4. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said groove is situated so as to
leave an exposed beveled edge of material after said collar is
removed enabling easy installation of said air duct.
5. The assembly of claim 1 comprising a first protrusion located at
a point on said collar adjacent to said groove, and a second
protrusion located at a point on said annular member and adjacent
to said groove and said first protrusion, each protrusion being of
sufficient size and shape to accept a screwdriver or prying tool
between said protrusions for the purpose of prying apart said
protrusions and subsequently initiating a separation of said
groove.
Description
BACKGROUND--FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to outlet boxes used in air
distribution systems, more particularly to a multi size arrangement
used to accommodate various duct sizes.
BACKGROUND--DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART
[0002] Outlet boxes are used in Heating and Air Conditioning
systems to connect a grille or register to rigid or flexible
ducting. Since ducting is available in different sizes, it is
desirable to have an outlet that can accept various sizes. U.S.
Pat. No. 3,866,950 to Skoch, et al uses a multiple step collar
configuration to receive a variety of air duct sizes. When
connecting ducts larger than the smallest collar, the unused
portion is removed by cutting radially along a groove of reduced
wall thickness. Using a standard utility blade tends to guide the
cut along a straight line. This can cause the user to inadvertently
cut through the wall portion of the collar section, rendering the
collar unusable. Because of the location of these grooves, further
reduction of wall thickness (to make cutting easier, and possibly
help this problem) would substantially weaken the assembly.
[0003] An improvement to this design is described in U.S. Pat. No.
5,109,756 to Barboza, et al. A frustum shaped tear band is used to
separate collar sections. This configuration adds strength and
rigidity without increasing wall thickness. Although this design is
effective, it adds height to the assembly which can be undesirable
in confined spaces. Also the required tearing action tends to work
well only with certain plastic resins, therefore limiting material
selection.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
[0004] Several objects and advantages of the present invention
are:
(a) to provide an improved diffuser box with provisions for
adapting to various sized duct openings. (b) to simplify collar
removal, without needing to force the knife blade along an
unnatural path. (c) to simplify collar removal when using a rigid,
difficult to tear material. (c) to achieve easy adaptability,
without adding unnecessary height.
[0005] Further objects and advantages are to provide a diffuser box
assembly which can be easily handled, installed, and produced, to
cut costs, and reduce labor. Still further objects and advantages
will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing
description and drawings.
DRAWING FIGURES
[0006] Different views of the invention are shown in FIG. 1A (3D,
or isometric view), FIG. 1B (front or elevation view) and FIG. 1C
(detail view of groove 11 area).
REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS
[0007] 10: collar [0008] 11: groove [0009] 12: diffuser [0010] 13:
flange [0011] 14: air deflecting fins [0012] 15: mounting surface
material [0013] 16: screw [0014] 17: transition area [0015] 18:
tab
DESCRIPTION--FIGS. 1A-1C
[0016] A plurality of tubular shaped parallel collars 10 of
different common duct sizes are arranged in a stepped configuration
leaving the largest collar 10 adjacent to the transition area
17.
[0017] These collars 10 are of sufficient length to accommodate
easy duct installation. Each collar 10 is joined by an annular
member 16 which connects collars 10 of different sizes. An
alternating series of collars 10 and annular members 34 create the
portion of the invention which is to be used for duct connection.
V-shaped grooves 12 creating an area of reduced wall thickness are
located along the perimeter of collars 10 adjacent to the larger
end of the annular members. Located along, and surrounding the
groove 11 are multiple separation tabs 18.
[0018] The outlet end is of a size, shape, and length to
accommodate the insertion of an air grille or diffuser 12.
[0019] A flange 13, extending outwardly ninety degrees from and
surrounding the outlet end, has a rectangular outer configuration.
This flange extends outward to a size slightly less than the
overall diffuser 12 size. The diffuser 12 is attached to this
flange with a plurality of screws 16. The exact design of the
diffuser is not important, but includes a rectangular outer
mounting frame, and a plurality of air deflecting fins 14 of
sufficient size, quantity, and orientation to direct the exiting
air in the desired direction(s).
OPERATION
[0020] The method of installing the present invention, and the
function of its parts is described below. After determining the
location for the air diffuser FIGS. 1A-1C within a room, a hole,
slightly larger than the size of the outlet end, is cut through the
mounting surface material 15 (such as gypsum board, plaster, etc.).
The invention is placed into the hole, with the inlet, or collar 10
end first, leaving the diffuser 22 opening facing the living
space.
[0021] After determining the duct size to be connected, all smaller
collar 10 sections must be removed to prevent obstruction of the
airway. This is done by inserting a sharp knife blade into the v
shaped groove, and cutting around the perimeter of collar, thereby
removing unneeded sections. An alternate embodiment incorporates a
pair of parallel, rectangular shaped tabs 18. A flat blade
screwdriver, or similar tool is placed between the tabs 18, and
twisted, or rotated. This action initiates the required separation
along the groove 11, and eliminates the need to start the cut by
piercing with a knife. This method may be more desirable when using
stiffer materials. Removal of these unneeded collar 10 sections
reveals a beveled edge with a slightly reduced opening diameter.
After installing the duct over the collar 10, it may be secured in
this position by a strap, clamp, or other suitable means.
[0022] It is to be understood, that the above described operation
may be performed in an order deemed most convenient to the
particular situation.
SUMMARY, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE
[0023] This invention provides for an improved method of removing
unwanted collar sections, with the knife blade guided along a
straight line, lowering the chances of accidental injury, damage to
the assembly, or significant weakening of the structure.
[0024] Although the description above contains many specifities,
these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the
invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the
preferred embodiments of this invention. For instance the diffuser
box assembly can have other shapes such as circular, oval,
rectangular etc.
* * * * *